Safe Medication Disposal

If you have expired, leftover, or unwanted medications, it’s important to get rid of them safely to protect your health, your family, and the environment.

Use a Drug Take-Back Option

The safest way to get rid of medications is to use a take-back box. They can often be found at local police stations or pharmacies. Check with your local law enforcement officials to find a location near you, or the DEA to find a DEA-authorized collection site in your community.

What if a take-back option isn’t available?

When a take-back isn’t available, you can dispose of medicines at home.

• Do not flush unused medications (other than certain controlled substances) down the toilet. This can negatively impact the environment and our water sources. However, some medications, like controlled substances, have a high risk for abuse. The FDA recommends that these medications be flushed down the toilet. Learn more about medications that should be flushed here.

How should I throw away medications safely at home?

• Scratch out your personal information on the medicine packaging/bottle. This helps to protect your identity and privacy.
• Take them out of their containers and mix them with coffee grounds, dirt, or cat litter. This helps to make it less likely that someone will try to use it.
• Put the mixture in a sealed container like a zip-top bag, empty can, or plastic container with a lid.
• Throw the container in the garbage.

Have questions? Just Ask.

If you are unsure about your medications, how to take them safely, how to store or get rid of them, or if your medications look different, ask your provider or pharmacist.